Fentanyl Patch

Fentanyl Patch is a medicine for severe, chronic or moderate pain that can easily become a habit. It contains high amounts of potent Schedule II opioid substances including hydromorphone, morphine, Fentanyl, oxycodone, oxymorphone and methadone. The patch renders the medication slowly into the human body by way of the skin working to relieve pain for three consecutive days. Abuse or misuse of this medicine by chewing, injecting, snorting, swallowing or keeping it in the mouth can result in overdose and even death. This is the reason why it is always very important to check with your doctor before using this medicine for pain relief.

Fentanyl Patch is basically used for the management of severe and moderate pain. However, it is important to note that this medicine can only be used when round-the-clock and continuous treatment is required for a very long span of time. This medicine should be used only when other treatments for severe pain are not working or when you are unable to take them. Patients who are used to taking other pain medicines on a regular basis and are quite tolerant to their side effects are the only ones who should take Fentanyl Patch. It is a narcotic ache medicine and decreases pain by working in the nervous system and the brain.

The Uses of Fentanyl Patch

Avoiding the Use of Fentanyl Patch

There can be absolutely no doubt in the fact that this medicine is very effective in relieving chronic pain but the use of this medicine should be avoided if:

• You have not been taking any other narcotic pain reliever earlier.

• You tend to be allergic to the ingredients present in this medicine.

• You recently went through a surgery.

• You require occasional pain-relief or you suffer from mild pain that does not last for a very long time.

• You have shallow, slowed or difficult breathing.

• You have serious kidney or liver problems.

• You have chronic lung problems or having asthma attacks.

• You are suspected of or known to have bowel blockage.

• You go through increase pressure in your brain.

If any of the above mentioned conditions apply to your health then it important for you to consult your doctor before taking Fentanyl Patch.

Fentanyl Patch and its Side Effects

There are different types of medicines available in the market and all medicines have some or the other side effects. This does not mean that every individual has to go through the side effects of various medicines but a majority of people need to go through the side effects. Fentanyl Patch also has some side effects for the people. If the side effects of this medicine tend to become bothersome and persist for a very long time then you must definitely consult your doctor. Some common side effects of Fentanyl Patch are as follows:

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Drowsiness and dizziness

• Headache, feeling cold and dry mouth

• Loss of food cravings

• Feeling of discomfort at the site of skin application, redness and mild itching

• Stomach pain

• Sweating, nausea, trouble sleeping, vomiting and tiredness.

• Allergic reactions like chest tightness, difficulty breathing, itching, hives, rash and swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue and throat can also occur due to the intake of this medicine.

The list of possible side effects of Fentanyl Patch is not complete yet because there are a number of other side effects that might also occur in individuals over a span of time. This medicine can easily become habit-forming if used for a prolonged period of time. People who form a habit of taking this medicine on a regular basis do not get any relief from the recommended dosage. They need to take this medicine in high amounts in order to get proper relief and this is called tolerance. Withdrawal symptoms might also be experienced by people who suddenly stop taking this medicine.